A former policewoman who was awarded compensation by the Industrial Tribunal for unfair dismissal denied mistreating residents at a home for destitute girls and yesterday threatened Education Minister Dolores Cristina with libel proceedings.

She didn’t bother to give testimony in the case

“We are surprised that Ms Cristina decided to open her mouth now when she didn’t even bother to give her testimony in this case,” lawyer Anġlu Farrugia wrote to The Times on behalf of Marisa Bartolo. “Even worse, Ms Cristina declared that she had no interest in the case.”

Following a series of allegations from staff and residents, a Board of Inquiry had recommended that Ms Bartolo’s position was untenable.

Following the decision of the industrial tribunal, which found that Ms Bartolo was unfairly dismissed and made redundant by the Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja, Ms Cristina defended her decision to recommend Ms Bartolo’s dismissal to the board, describing it as “an act to defend vulnerable girls”.

According to the minister, the board found that Ms Bartolo used to handcuff girls to restrain them.

Contacted yesterday, Dr Farrugia dismissed Ms Cristina’s allegations and insisted the minister should either retract her allegations or face court action.

Asked whether Ms Cristina personally constituted part of this case, Dr Farrugia insisted she was his client’s employer.

Dr Farrugia’s declaration is, however, being denied by lawyer Peter Fenech, who said his only role was to represent the Conservatorio.

Dr Fenech said Ms Cristina was not involved with the NGO, so she could not have been held responsible for Ms Bartolo’s employment.

Ms Cristina could not be reached for comment yesterday.